USA > Pennsylvania > Colonial records of Pennsylvania, Vol. VIII > Part 39
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make good the Quota at every Township in the Different Counties of the Provinces for the Transporting Provisions ; And without such a Law the Service of this (which in all probabilit ywill be the Last) Campaign cannot be carried on, not having yet got one-half of the Waggons Wanted; they value not the present Penalty (as the Magistrates writes me) of forty Shillings.
" and they pay with ease to get Clear of the Service. I have no doubt but you will use your utmost Influence with the Assembly to Pass this Law, from which I shall receive so much assistance as to be able to furnish every Service this Way before the Winter comes on.
" I rejoice with you sincerely upon all the good News we have so lately received from Niagara and Ticonderoga, and hope to have the Continuance of it from General Wolf.
" I am, Sr., with great truth, " Your most Obed" Hume Servant, "JOHN STANWIX."
Intelligence received from Pittsburgh inclosed in the last Letter.
" August 12th. Two Shawanese came here from Maguck, and informed me that the Cherokees had lately sent three Speeches to their Nation, acquainting them that they intended to make War on the English, desiring them to assist in the War, and to send the Speeches to all the Nations of Indians from the Sun Rising, invit- ing them to take up the Hatchet and Join with them, but as their Nation had promised me at the late Conference whenever they heard any Bad news to acquaint me with it before they determined upon anything, that they were sent to acquaint me with this, and to know how I should have them act in regard to their Speeches.
" In the Evening a Delaware Indian informed me that Nine In- dians of their Nation from Venango had been in the road below Legionier, and taken an Englishman Prisoner, but that he had made his Escape from them in the Night.
" 13th. By two Indians who have arrived here this morning from · Niagara, I have the following Intelligence : 'That on the fifth, the French made a Sally from the Fort, that all the Indians they had with them at the Fort deserted them, that the English drove the French back into the Fort and took possesion of it. That during the Siege, Deliniery, who formerly Commanded on this River, was shot through the thigh and taken Prisoner, the Officer that Com- manded the Fort at Niagara taken, The Officer that Commanded the Troops from Di Troit killed, the Priest killed, and all the rest of the officers killed and taken except four, who run away during the action on the Fifth. That the French Indians often attempted to speak to the Six Nations, but as the Six Nations constantly kept
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hallooing to them, threatening to put every Indian they found with the French to Death, they were afraid to stay, so that they had no opportunity of speaking to them, for which reason they can give no account of what Number of the English and Six Nations were killed.
"That the French at Presque Isle had sent away all their Stores to Detroit, and was waiting when they came by for the French from Beuf River and Venango to join them, to set off for Detroit. That on an Indian Path leading from Presque Isle to a Delaware Town, they met a Frenchman and some Indians, who informed them that the French set off from Venango the Day before, which is Six Days ago.
"Seven o'clock in the Evening those Indians came here from Ve- nango, and Confirm the above Intelligence of the English taking Niagara the fifth Instant by Storm, and say the Indians from over the Lakes are very much displeased with the Six Nations, as they had a number of their People killed at Niagara; That the French had burnt their Forts at Venango, Presque Isle, and La Beuf, and gone over the Likes; that the French at Venango, before they set off, gave the Indians living nigh there Large Presents of Goods, laced Coats, and Hatts, and told them they were obliged to run away, but that they expected to be in Possession of this River be- fore next Spring. They were obliged to Burn every thing they had, and destroy their Battoes, as the Water was so low they could not get up the Creek with them."
Then were read two Letters to the Governor from General Am- herst, which were ordered to be entered.
A Letter from General Amherst to Governor Denny.
" CAMP AT CROWN POINT, 8th of August, 1759.
" Sir :
" On the Twenty-Seventh Ultimo, I had the pleasure of Com- municating to you, that the Enemy had, on the Evening before, abandoned the Fort at Ticonderoga, to which I have now the fur- ther Satisfaction to add that they have likewise withdrawn them- selves from this Place, after having also attempted to blow up the Fort, in which they have succeeded only in Part; and that I am in possession of the Ground ever since the fourth, where I propose building such a strong Hold as shall most effectually cover and Secure all this Country.
" The Night of my arrival here, I received Letters from Sir Wil- liam Johnson, with the additional good news of the Success of his Majesty's Arms at Niagara, which surrendered by Capitulation on the Twenty-Fifth to Sir William, upon whom the Command had devolved by the Demise of poor Brigadier General Prideaux, killed
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in the Trenches on the night of the Twentieth. The Garrison con- sisting of Six Hundred and Seven Men, being Prisoners of War, and now on their March to New York, together with Seventeen Officers and One Hundred and Sixty Men more, Part of a Corps of Twelve Hundred assembled at Detroit, Venango, and Presque Isle, under the Command of Mess's. Aubry and Delignery, for raising the Seige; but Sir William Johnson having Intelligence of their ap- proach, provided so properly for their reception, that on the morning of the Twenty-Fourth, when they meant to March strait to the Fort, they met with such an Opposition as they little expected, be- ing intirely routed, with the Loss of all their Officers, and a great Number of their Men killed, whilst the Loss on our side was incon- siderable.
"This Signal Success, added to the other advantages, seems an happy Pressage of the intire Reduction of Canada this Campaign, or at least of Circumscribing the Enemy within such narrow Bounds as will ever after deprive them of the Power of Exercising any more Encroachments, on which I hope I shall have the Satisfaction of Congratulating you, as I now do on these late great Events, and am, with great Regard, Sir,
" Your Most Obed' Hume. Servant, "JEFF. AMHERST."
Another Letter from General Amherst to Governor Denny.
" CAMP AT CROWN POINT, 14th August, 1759. " Sir :
" Yesterday I received from the War Office Sundry Copies of the Cartel concluded and agreed upon between our Court and that of France, for the Exchange and Ransom of Prisoners, of which I here enclose you One ; and am, with great regard, Sir, "Your Most Obed". Hume- Servt., "JEFF. AMHERST."
The Council, on Considering the Contents of the above Letters and Intelligence, advised the Governor to Summons the Assembly, and the Secretary was directed to prepare a Writ for their being summoned to meet on the Twenty-Ninth Instant.
MEMORANDUM.
The Twenty-Ninth of August, 1759, The House being to meet this Day by Summons, the Governor called the Council, but none attending by reason of Sickness or absence, except Mr. Peters, the Governor directed the Secretary to deliver to-morrow morning the
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following Message to the House, with a Copy of the Writ by which they had been summoned, together with the Letters referred to in the said Message.
A Message from the Governor to the Assembly.
"Gentlemen :
"I was obliged to call you together before the Day of your ad- journment, to lay before the House Letters I have received from General Stanwix.
" I desire you will be pleased to take into your Serious Conside- ration the peculiar advantages that will arise to this Colony by your Complying with the General's request. Extending our Indian Trade, Securing the lives of the Inhabitants, and improving the many advantages lately gained over the Enemy, are motives that I flatter myself will excite your Zeal and Loyalty in promoting His Majesty's Service on this Important Occasion.
" Having had the Pleasure of receiving from General Amherst a particular Account of his late successes, I send you His Excel- lency's Letter, with some other Papers of Intelligence from the Westward.
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"WILLIAM DENNY.
"August 30th, 1759."
The Governor having received several Letters from Colonel Mer- cer, with a Copy of a Treaty with the Indians, held by George Croghan and Colonel Mercer, in July last, and some Intelligence inclosed in the said Letters, all which were ordered to be entered in the Council Minutes and delivered to the House, with the afore- said Message.
Minutes of Conferences held at Pittsburgh, in July, 1759, By George Croghan, Esgr., Deputy Agent to the Honourable Sir William Johnson, Bart., His Majesty's Agent and Superintend- ant for Indian affairs in the Northern District of North Amer- ica, With the Chiefs of the Warriors of the Six Nations, Dela- wares, Shawanese, and the Wyentotts, who represent the Eight following Nations: Ottawas, Chepawas, Putewatimies, Twight- wees, Kushkuskies, Kecopes, Shockeys, and Musquakees.
"At a Meeting held at Pittsburgh, on the 4th of July, 1759.
PRESENT :
" George Croghan, Esq" Deputy Agent to the Honourable Sir William Johnson.
"Colonel Hugh Mercer, Commandant at Pittsburgh.
" A number of the Officers of the Garrison.
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"Captain William Front, Captain Thomas McKee, Assistants to George Croghan.
" Captain Henry Montour, Interpreter.
" The Beaver, the Delaware King, arrived here from over the Lakes, with a Number of the principal Counsellors and Warriors of the Delaware Nation. On their arrival they saluted the Fort with a Discharge of their Small Arms, which was returned by a dis- charge of the Cannon from the Fort. They then came in. After being seated, the Beaver said he only came over the River to shake Hands with us; that he was not prepared to speak on any Business, and desired we would not, as the Wyondotts, and other Indians, who came with him, was over the River. After Drinking a Glass of Wine round, we parted.
" At a Conference held at Pittsburgh on the 5th of July, 1759.
PRESENT :
" George Croghan, Esq". Deputy Agent to the Honourable Sir William Johnson, Baronet.
" Colonel Hugh Mercer, Commandant at Pittsburgh.
" A Number of the Officers of the Garrison.
" Captain William Trent, Captain Thomas McKee, assistants to George Croghan, Esq".
" Captain Henry Montour, Interpreter.
" Indians.
" Six Nations.
" Tagouuseday, ? Chiefs.
" Guywsuday, $
" Grandondawe, and
" Sixteen Warriors,
" Shawonese.
" Keicenwekhe,
" Louthema,
" Opeiwa, and
" Fourteen Warriors
Delawares.
The Beaver, King of the Dela- wares,
Shingas,
Chiefs and Cap- .
George,
tains.
Kickeusking,
Killbuck,
Windohale, John Peters, The Pipe, Johnny, Gooshamaqua,
Mottacha Peter, and a great num- ber of other Captns.
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"Wyondotts.
" Diuatea, Deputies Representing their own & eight other " 'Tanondany, Nations.
" Sandeghgo,
" Sonongua,
" Terondea, and Twenty-two Warriors.
" Captain Croghan opened the Conferences with the following Ceremonies, addressing himself to the Indians present, of every Nation.
" 'Brethren :
" ' It gives me Pleasure to see you, The Representatives of so many different Nations, at this Council Fire. I bid you all heartily Wel- come.
" ' Brethren :
"' With this String I wipe the Dust and Sweat off your Bodies, pick the Bryars out of your feet, and Clear your Eyes, that you may see your Brethren's Faces and look Chearful.'
" Gave a String.
" ' Brethren :
"' With this String I clear your Hearts and Minds, that you may speak perfectly free and open to us.'
" Gave a String.
" 'Brethren :
"' With this String I wipe the Blood from off the Council Seats, that your Cloths may not be stained nor your minds disturbed.'
" Gave a String.
" As soon as we had done they performed the same Ceremonies on their Parts.
„, The Beaver then got up and desired to know when they might Expect the Peace to be confirmed, as the Deputics from the Several Nations had fixed a time for their return. Colonel Mercer and Captain Croghan appointed a private meeting next morning to fix on the time.
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" At a Private Conference held at Pittsburgh on the 6th of July, 1759.
"PRESENT:
"George Croghan, Esq". Deputy Agent to the Honourable Sir William Johnson, Baronet.
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" Colonel Hugh Mercer, Commandant at Pittsburgh.
"Captain William Trent,
"Captain Thomas M'Kee, Assistants to George Croghan, Esq".
" Captain Henry Montour, Interpreter.
"The same Indian Chiefs as before.
" When they were seated Colonel Mercer and Captain Croghan proposed to them their going to Philadelphia, in order to Ratify and Confirm the Peace; they refused, saying they would not go to Philadelphia while the English and French were at War in their Country ; that they would go and see their Brethren when their Women and Children would sleep in Peace ; they then proposed to the Indians their Waiting the arrival of the General, but they re- fused, saying a delay might be attended with bad Consequences at this Time, and then insisted on the Peace being confirmed, saying that as soon as it was proclaimed through the Nations that the Warriors of the several Nations, whose Deputies are now here, would abandon the French, on which a Time was fixed to hold a Conference with them for that Purpose.
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"July 7th.
" The Deputies from the Several Nations waited on Captain Cro- ghan, and desired to know the Prices of Goods and skins, which he acquainted them with; they Complained of the Prices of Stroud and Skins, saying Stroud was dearer than what they formerly gave for it, and that the Prices of Skins and Furs was also less than what the Traders formerly gave for them; and desired that he would Write the Governor to have the Prices settled.
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"This Morning the Indians called Captain Croghan to a private Conference.
" PITTSBURGH, July 8th, 1759. " PRESENT :
" George Croghan, Esq'. Deputy Agent to Sir William Johnson. " Captain Henry Montour, Interpreter.
" Indians :
" The Deputies from the Several Nations as before.
" When we were seated, these Deputies fourteen Belts and two Large Bunches of Strings of Wampum, which they said was the Wampum of the nine following Nations: Wyondotts, Ottawas, VOL. VIII .- 25.
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Chepawas, Putawatimes, Twightwees, Kushkushkies, Keopas, Shoe- keys, and Musquakes, impowering the Wyondott Deputies to act in behalf of their Nations, and to confirm the Peace between them and the English, as was agreed upon in a Council held over the Lakes by the Beaver King with their Nations, and a Road Belt, by which these Nations have cleared the Road to the Sun Rising, that they may travel in Peace to see their Brethren, the English, as formerly. They then replied, we have now shewed you the Powers by which we act in favour of the Several Nations just mentioned to you, and we desire to hear what you have to say to us to-morrow, as we are impatient to return Home; And a meeting was appointed in the Morning for that Purpose.
"At a Conference held at Pittsburgh, July 9th, 1759. " PRESENT :
'.George Croghan, Esqr., Deputy Agent to the Honourable Sir William Johnson, Baronet.
" Colonel Hugh Mercer, Commandant at Pittsburgh. " Captains. Lieutents.
Ensigns.
" Waggoner, Matthews, Crawford,
" Woodward, Hydler,
Crawford,
"Prentice, Bedde,
Morgan,
" Morgan,
Conrod,
Mr. Vixan,
"Smallman,
Kennedy,
Ormshy,
"Clayton, " Ward.
Sumner, Allen,
Anderson, Gibson,
Hutchins,
Lightfoot.
Dangerfield, Wright of the Train.
"Captain William Trent, Assistants to George Croghan, Esq". "Captain Thomas McKee, S
" Captain Henry Montour, Interpreter. " Indians :
"Six Nations Chiefs, with Sixteen Warriors ..
" 'Tagauusaday,
Guyusuday,
" Grandendawe.
" Delawares Chiefs and Captains, with great numbers of others. "The Beaver, King of the Delawares.
" George, John Peters,
" Keckenskung, The Pipe,
" Killbuck, Johnny,
" Wendshale,
Gooshamaqua,
"Shingas,
Mattacka Peters.
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"Shawonese Chiefs and Fourteen Warriors.
" Kiecennochthe,
Louthema,
" Opeiwa.
"Deputies, representing their own and eight other Nations.
"Wyondotts, Sonongua,
" Dixeatea, Terondea, and
" Tanondany,
Twenty-Two Warriors.
" Sandegho,
"As soon as the Indians had taken their seats, Captain Croghan made the following Speech :
"' Brethren :
"'The Wyondotts, Deputies of the Nine Western Nations of In- dians, give attention to what I am going to say to you.
" ' We are this day met in Council to renew and brighten the Ancient Chain of Friendship between us and you, in behalf of the Nine different Nations of Indians you represent; with this String of Wampum I scatter the dark Clouds that hang over your Heads, Open your ears that you may hear, and your Eyes that you may see the sun that shines over us. And I desire that what I shall say to you this Day, that you publish it immediately through all the Nations.'
" Gave a String.
"' Brethren :
"' The Complaints which your People made three years ago to the Governor of Pennsylvania about their Lands, was settled last fall at the Treaty at Easton, and a Line settled by your People and the Six Nations to their Satisfaction, all which you were made acquain- ted with last fall by the Deputies of the Six Nations, sent with your Deputies from that Treaty for that Purpose, and you may de- pend on it that your Brethren, the English, will never violate any of their Engagements to you or any of your Brethren of any other Nation, but hold fast of the Chain of Friendship; and we make no doubt but you on your side, will take the same Care. To Con- firm what I have said, I give you this Belt.'
" Gave a Belt.
"' Brethren :
"' As soon as all Disputes between us were ended last Fall at the Treaty at Easton, the Peace was confirmed in the Presence of the Six Nations, and we, in Conjunction with the Six Nations, imme- diately dispatched Messages to assure you of the truth thereof; and the Peace Belt was sent to our Brethren, the Delawares, that they might send it through all the Nations living towards the Sun set- ting in Friendship with them, that they might know what was done and take fast hold of it.
"' Last fall, when the French destroyed their Fortifications here, and run away, a Number of your Brethren, the English, under the.
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Command of Brigadier General Forbes, took Post at this Place; at that time I went to see our Brothers, the Delawares, at the Mouth of Beaver Creek, and`gave them an Invitation to come and Confer with the General; when we came here we found the General's bad state of Health had obliged him to set off, but that he had left Colonel Boquet, who was second in Command, to receive them and treat with them in his name at that Conference ; they promised to perform all the Engagements their People had entered into with us at the Treaty at Easton, acquainting all Nations with what passed there, and invite all Nations in Amity with them to go to Philadel- phia early this Spring to Ratify and Confirm the Peace, but as your own Business, or the Season of the year did not permit you, the General has sent me to Transact the Publick Business with you, and all Nations towards the Sun setting, in his Name, till his arrival.
""'Our Brothers, the Delawares, have performed their Engage- ments by taking a long Journey over the Lakes to make known to the Westward Nations what passed at the Treaty at Easton, and I assure your Brethren I am heartily glad to see the Deputies of so many of the Western Nation at this Place met in Council, and as you have already informed me that your affairs will not permit you waiting the arrival of the General, I have, with the Consent and approbation of Colonel Mercer, the Commanding Officer here, agreed to hold this Conference, and you may be asured that the Business transacted with you at this Conference, the King's Gen- eral, and all the Governors on this Continent will" Ratify and Con- firm in the first General Meeting you have with them. ""Brethren :
"' As the Design of this Meeting was to assure each other that we would keep fast hold of the Chain of Friendship, and perform our mutual Engagements made to each other at Easton, we on our parts shall punctually perform ours, and in order to our enjoying the Blessings we expect from that Peace, it is necessary, and we do iu- sist, that you also perform these made on your parts, by restoring to us our flesh and blood that yet remain among you, as we can never taste true Satisfaction till that is done ; we do not think it practicable for you to deliver up at once, or in any Place, all our People who yet remain Prisoners amongst you, but we place the greatest Confidence in the sincerity of your Intentions of perform- ing all your Engagements made to us at that Treaty, and that you will loose no time in performing this Article of it. In Confidence of which I give you this Belt of Wampum.'
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" Gave a Belt.
"' ' Brethren :
""' You have often requested your Brothers, the English, to carry on a Trade with you in your Country, as formerly. The Enemy, you know, were in Possession of your Country at that Time, which
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obliged us to bring out an armed Force to drive them away, but be- fore we got here the French burnt the Fort and run away up the River, where they yet stay and carry on the War against us.
"'You are Sensible, Brethren, that while the Enemy are in Pos- session of your Country, we cannot Trade safely with you, as for- merly. The General is on his Way here to build a Trading House, to secure the Goods brought by the English Traders for your use, from the Insults of the French, which will be performing all our Engagements to you; you must be convinced of the Sincerity of our Intentions, as you see already a Number of Traders here, and more on their Way, the better to supply you with such necessaries as you may want. And I assure you, as soon as the Enemy are drove out of your Country, which I expect you will be assisting in, that the General will depart your Country after securing our Trade with you and our Brethren to the Westward. In Confirmation of what I have said, I give you this Belt.'
" Gave a Belt ..
"'Brethren, Chiefs and Warriors of the Delawares :
"'As you are our Near Neighbours, and now going to return to your several Towns, I take this Opportunity of desiring you not to go far abroad, nor think long till you hear from us, for I assure by this String of Wampum, that as soon as the General arrives here with his Majesty's Troops, I shall call you together, as the General will have something to say to you, and be glad to see all his Brethren of the Several Nations to the Sun setting.'
" Gave a String.
" The Beaver, the Delaware King, then got up, addressing him- self first to all the Indians present, desiring them to listen to what he was going to say, which was from his Heart, and to take exam- ple by him, then addressing himself to all the White People pre- sent, made the following speech :
"' ' Brothers :
"' I have brought with me some of your flesh and Blood; there they set. One is my Mother, the other my Sister. I deliver them up to you, in the presence of all here ; do not think I am tired of them; no, I love them as well as I do my own. Mother and Sis- ter. When they go to the Inhabitants do not hide them; when I go down, I shall Call and see them. Then delivered up the two Women.
"The Beaver, then addressing himself to Colonel Mercer, with a String of White Wampum, made the following Speech : ' ' Brother :
" When I was here in the fall, I desired our People might have Liquor, but sparingly ; but now I desire the Bung may be knocked out of the Keg, and when the Liquor comes, we may have Liberty to purchase, and then returned thanks for the Speeches we had made them, which he said he believed come from our Hearts.'
" Gave a String.
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" Captain Montour, by order of Colonel Mercer, acquainted him that the first Liquor that came up, they should have Liberty to buy part of it ; Then returned thanks for the Speeches they had made us, and the Colonel gave the whole an invitation to dine with him next Day."
" At a Private Conference held at Pittsburg, the 11th July, 1759. PRESENT :
" George Croghan, Esq" Deputy Agent to the Honourable Sir William Johnson, Baronet.
" Captain Henry Montour, Interpreter.
Indians.
" The Chiefs and Warriors of the Delawares and Shawanese, and the Deputies and Chief Warriors of the Wyondotts.
" Diccatea, the Chief of the Wyondott's Deputies, spoke as fol- lows, in behalf of his own, and the other eight Nations they repre- sent :
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